# Docker Volumes

## Purpose

Docker volumes store persistent data outside of containers.

Containers can be deleted and recreated without losing data stored in volumes.

## Why Volumes Matter

A container is temporary.

A volume contains the important data.

Example:

* Delete container = service disappears
* Keep volume = data remains
* Recreate container = service returns with data intact

## Current Volumes

| Volume         | Purpose                           |
| -------------- | --------------------------------- |
| uptime-kuma    | Monitoring data                   |
| portainer_data | Portainer configuration           |
| gitea_data     | Git repositories, users, settings |

## Commands

List volumes:

```bash
docker volume ls
```

Inspect a volume:

```bash
docker volume inspect VOLUME_NAME
```

Example:

```bash
docker volume inspect uptime-kuma
```

## Real World Example

Uptime Kuma stores:

* Monitors
* Notifications
* Settings
* Historical uptime data

inside its Docker volume.

If the container crashes, the data remains.

## Lessons Learned

* Containers are disposable.
* Volumes contain important data.
* Backups should focus on volumes.
* Persistent services should always use volumes.
* Volumes make upgrades and migrations easier.

## Backup Strategy

Important volumes to back up:

* gitea_data
* uptime-kuma
* portainer_data

## Date Created

June 15, 2026